Evaluating the brain basis of a music intervention in autism

INTERVENTION: Participants are randomized to one of two groups. The first 20 participants will be randomized using simple coin toss. Subsequent randomization will be conducted using the covariate adaptive randomization method to ensure balance of demographic factors such as age, sex and language ability between the two groups. MinimPy software will be used to conduct this randomization by one member of the team not involved in experimental testing. All other experimenters will be blind at all times to the assignment of participants. Intervention group: Participants take part in the music‐based intervention, which involves attending individual 45 minute sessions once a week for 12 weeks. The sessions involve use of song, rhythmic cues and instruments to target socio‐communicative, emotional and sensorimotor outcomes. Control group: Participants take part in a non‐music control intervention which relies on existing behavioural interventions with no music. It is conducted in the same setting and by the same therapist as the musical intervention and will target similar outcomes, but without the use of any musical activities. Sessions involve play activities targeting social interaction, communication, emotional regulation and sensorimotor integration but without the use of any musical instruments. Toys, books, and other non‐musical accessories will be used to engage the child. All sessions (music and control sessions) will be video recorded for post‐hoc analysis. Participants in both groups are followed up at the end of the intervention period (12 weeks) at which time they undergo an MRI scan. CONDITION: Autism Spectrum Disorder ; Mental and Behavioural Disorders ; Autism Spectrum Disorder PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Socio‐communicative responsiveness (in the domains of Social Awareness, Social Cognition, Social Communication, Social Motivation, Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behavior) is measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale‐2 at baseline and 12 weeks; 2. Pragmatic language and communication skills are measured using the Children's Communication Checklist‐2 at baseline and 12 weeks; 3. Receptive vocabulary is measured using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test at baseline and 12 weeks; 4. Functional brain connectivity was measured using resting‐state functional MRI at baseline and at 12 weeks SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Family quality of life is measured using the Beach Family Quality of Life Scale at baseline and at 12 weeks; 2. Gross and fine‐motor skills are measured using the Motor skills subdomain of the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (II) at baseline and at 12 weeks; 3. Inhibitory control is measured by the Flanker and Go‐No Go task at baseline and at 12 weeks; 4. Musical abilities are measured by the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Musical Abilities at baseline and at 12 weeks INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Children aged 6‐12 years 2. Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder 3. No co‐morbid neurological disorder 4. No hearing impairment 5. No experience of music therapy in the 6 months preceding the start of the study